Researchers Identify Ingredients In Pomegranate Juice That Have Anti-Cancer Properties

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Aired 12/15/10

Researchers at UC Riverside have identified components of pomegranate juice that block the spread of prostate cancer cells in the laboratory. It's not the first study to show pomegranates have anti-cancer potential.

California  Researchers at UC Riverside have identified components of pomegranate juice that block the spread of prostate cancer cells in the laboratory. It's not the first study to show pomegranates have anti-cancer potential.

One study showed pomegranate fruit extracts slowed the growth of cancer cells in mice. Other research suggests drinking eight ounces of pomegranate juice daily delays the progression of prostate cancer in men.

UC Riverside cell biologist Manuela Martins-Green has identified what she believes are the juice's key ingredient, but she doesn't wan to stop there.

"We want to understand how they work," Martins-Green said, "and once we understand how they work, we might be able to change their structure a little bit chemically to make them work better."

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among American men. Age and a family history of the disease are major risk factors.